JUST A THOUGHT: “Discover why you’re important, then refuse to settle for anyone who doesn’t completely agree.” –
Fisher Amelie
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BEST WISHES FOR DEAR CHARO: Charo Santos is nominated for best actress in the 2017 Asian Film Awards for her work in the film “Ang Babaeng Humayo” (Lav Diaz). International critics hailed the film when it took part and won in the Venice International Film festival in 2016.
The former ABS-CBN president has under her belt a Best Actress award from the Asian Film Festival for her performance in Itim, 1977.
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JOHN LLOYD AND SARAH AGAIN: Dear Future Husband marks the reunion film between John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo after four years. Filming under the direction of Theodore Boborol starts this month, according to Star Cinema.
Theodore earlier directed Vince and Kath and James, reportedly the top grosser in the recently held MMFF 2016.
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MMFF 2016 TOTAL INCOME: By the way, the MMFF executive committee has not released the official results of MMFF 2016.
A reliable insider source informed me the festival’s total gross across 10 days nationwide is close to 400 million.
In Metro Manila alone, the filmfest raked in 190 million pesos.
In 2015, according to the same source, the MMFF grossed 1.1 billion pesos.
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FUTURE OF MMFF: The future of MMFF 2017 remains uncertain, considering the controversy it has spawned. Will the execom maintain the high quality artistic standards set by MMFF 2016 at the end of the year? Or will they revert to the popular, commercial appeal of previous MMFF editions?
The controversy has grown far and wide that a series of Senate inquiries are scheduled soon on the matter.
I say let’s continue with a festival that features quality films with commercial appeal.
It can be done, certainly, with great creativity and commitment. Let that be a challenge to every filmmaker, indie or mainstream. (NESTOR CUARTERO)